LUXURY WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Currently I am redoing my work space. As I was shopping, I discovered a book and the title captured me.

You see, I have been letting fear get in the way. It had started creeping into my business about a year ago. Lately it’s been hindering me so much that I decided to do something about it. Then I come across this book in the clearance section. Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You. How perfect is that?

So for the next year I will be challenging myself to be fearless. I invite you to do so as well. I have created a Facebook group called Fearless Creatives. I invite you to join if you are a creative, and want to be a part of a community of like minded creative and entrepreneurs.

So, it’s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, and I want to celebrate by writing a letter to my son.

Dear Little One,

You spent two hours crying after you were born, but it meant you were here. I could finally hold you in my arms. The nurse brought you over, and said, “Here’s your son.” All I could say was, “He’s beautiful!”

I didn’t sleep at all for the first three days. Not because I couldn’t, but I didn’t want to miss anything in case you needed me. I would get up in the middle of the night, just to make sure you were breathing. Three years later, I still do.

The first time you went to day care, I came home and paced around for two hours. I didn’t know what to do without you. You had been home with me for close to three years, and it felt odd not to hear you asking me to play blocks or super heroes.

I love that you think my name is Kristen Photography. Working from home has been difficult at times, but I want you to know that you can make your dreams happen. Never let anyone tell you it’s not possible. This world is filled with impossible things.

I am blown away by your intelligence. I see you learning everyday, and I love it when you tell me something new. From knowing your ABC’s, shapes, and colors to kicking and throwing a ball. You love learning new things. May you never lose that love.

You are absolutely an incredible kid. I am so proud of you. There is not enough time in the world to describe how much you’re loved. May every day be an adventure. May every moment be filled with wonder. May every fear be trusted to God. May every obstacle be overcome.

I am so excited to be teaming up with The Steel Magnolia Bridal Shop once again! On Tuesday, March 21st, we will be photographing all of her dresses! It’s going to be an amazing project, and I can’t wait to get my creative juices flowing after winter!

We will have about six models, 50 dresses, and I’ll be exhausted after. Haha! It will be so worth it, though! Here are a few photos from the last shoot we did together. Megan will be modeling for us again!

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned as we prepare for this fun project! -Kristen D.

My sister has always wanted a simple wedding or an elopement. Honestly, I expected to get a phone call one day with her announcing her marriage. I got the call, but she had set a date within the very near future. I was so excited to be able to capture these memories for her and Isaac. Welcome to the family Isaac!

I love these two so much, and wish them a very happy marriage! Congratulations, Ashley & Isaac!

I dream big. I see the finish line and want to get there as fast as possible. I want the best of everything right now.

To quote one of my favorite commercials- “That’s not how it works. That’s not how any of this works!”

I have been reminded lately that the larger picture can only be accomplished by the smaller goals. When I say small, I mean tiny. For example, I want to be healthy. I have tried dieting and exercise routines. However, I always quit. I need to start small. You know what? I want to drink tea every morning. A nice cup of healthy tea. It’s small, but it’s a beginning.

In my business, I want a beautiful studio with LOTS of natural light and amazing lighting equipment and only the best cameras and lenses. However, right now, I need to concentrate on building my brand and providing an amazing experience to my clients. My dream studio will be there in time.

You see, I want SO much. However, if you grow too fast, you’ll fall. Right now, I’m content with my cup of tea.

-Kristen

Luke 16:10 – He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…

You, with your hair pulled backed in a messy bun and wearing yoga pants! I want to photograph you!
You, drinking tea, getting ready for your morning workout. I want to show you how beautiful you are!
You, building and running a business. I want to show you how wonderful you are!

No matter where you are in life, celebrate it through photography. We women don’t always feel beautiful. We are always thinking that we have to do something MORE. My husband constantly tells me I’m beautiful. I always shrug it off as simply a compliment. Here’s the thing. HE MEANS IT! When I have been up half the night because my toddler is sick, and my eyes are dark, and my hair isn’t brushed, he really thinks I’m beautiful. His vision of me never wavers.

You deserve to see how your loved ones see you. You deserve a bit of luxury. Right now I am running a special of 20% off of photography packages for the first 10 women to book a photo session. You deserve it. Click here for more information.

I am very excited for today. So much so that I have been awake since 4:30 this morning. I have been preparing and thinking about what I want for today. Not going to lie. I am a little nervous. There is always that lingering thought of “Am I good enough? Will this work?” any time I venture into something new. No matter where you go in business, this thought is normal. What makes you professional and great is that you still do it, and learn from it, despite the fear. Don’t let fear stop you from doing what you love.

Since I was up since 4:30 this morning I have been softening and staining tulle. I am very excited to be experimenting with this. I LOVE Sue Bryce’s work and want to play with the look. Here is a shoot she did that involved tulle. Gold tulle has been sitting in my closet for a while. It has been through the wash three times to soften. It was very rough when I got it. I also bought white tulle yesterday, which I decided to tea stain.

I am teaming up with GlamLex today to bring this shoot to life! My mind is overflowing with ideas. Join me starting at 2:00 pm Live on Facebook! I will be going live multiple times during the shoot to show you behind the scenes! If you can’t make it at 2:00, no worries! The shoot will last until 4:00! Join us here!

When I was little, I loved chasing birds. I wanted to catch one so badly. Birds were just amazing in my eyes and I wanted to be their friend. Of course, running after them with a box trying to catch them probably wasn’t the best way to do so.

I remember my dad smiling and laughing. His little girl thought she could catch a bird by running after it. I kept this up for months. Finally, dad said that if I could catch a bird then I could keep it.

One day we went fishing. A few ducks came around our boat and we started throwing pieces of bread to them. One duck just kept getting closer and closer. When he was directly beside the boat, I reached down and grabbed him. Obviously the duck didn’t like this and was flapping his wings and quacking, but I was oblivious. I was SO proud that I had finally caught a bird! I looked at dad through the commotion of feathers and asked, “Can I keep it, Daddy?”

Well, no. I couldn’t keep it. He got me to let it go. However, this was the beginning. I started to show just how determined and dedicated I could be in order to achieve a goal. This attitude followed me through school in band, color guard, and now photography. I put my heart and soul into the things I do. When I set a goal, I achieve it. It may take time, but it will happen. All through the grace of God.

My next phase of business will be adding portraiture. Weddings are still a large part of my heart. Portraiture will be an addition and will fit nicely into my brand. I am so excited to team up with GlamLex to bring this goal to fruition. Come with me on this journey. Like me on Facebook and tune in on Wednesday, December 7th, beginning at 2:00 pm. I will be going Live multiple times during the shoot so you can see behind the scenes moments. Can’t wait to see you there!

Today I get to celebrate my son’s birthday. He loves Dinosaurs, Outer Space, Superheroes, Hot Wheels, and Monster Trucks. Even though I am up most morning before 6:00 am, constantly cleaning his toys just so he can dump them again, and always worrying about his eating habits, I love him so much. I hope to celebrate many more birthdays to come. This morning he came into my bedroom and curled up next to me. I said, “Happy birthday!” To which he replied, “Happy birthday to me!” Which made me laugh, even at 5:30 am.

Even though wedding season is over, engagement season has begun! I am staying busy with a few projects and am excited about them to say the least!

My first upcoming project is getting my portrait business off the ground. I am planning a shoot for next week and will be taking video of the whole process to really show my clients what they can expect! I have been wanting to add portraiture for a while to my business, and it is finally happening!

Here is a little information about my portrait sessions. My clients will receive a makeover before the shoot begins. The style will be glamour, with amazing dresses, hair and makeup. I am very much inspired by Sue Bryce. Her portraiture is amazing, and will definitely be an influence on my own. I will be offering portrait sessions for a portfolio building discounted rate of $350 for 10 women. Yes, I only have 10 slots open for this deal! If you’re interested, please let me know! Contact me here!

My next two projects are a styled wedding shoot in January, and a bridal show that I have been thinking of for a while. More details to come! Lately, after a day of planning I have been relaxing with some Christmas treats. I found some Christmas cookies while grocery shopping Monday. I love how cute they are, and they’re delicious, too. Christmas music will be playing in my home until New Year’s! I love this season! What is your favorite part of the holidays?